According to a new report released by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) this week, 48 percent of adults age 50 and older say that they play video games. The data comes from new research released by the ESA called "Gamers Over 50 Study: You're Never Too Old to Play." The data in the report is based on a survey of 1,800 adults age 50 and older conducted by the ESRB. Those 1,800 individuals said that they played video games on at least one system or device and identified themselves as "gamers." The ESA survey found that 80 percent of these gamers played video games on a weekly basis, while 45 percent played on a daily basis.

Gamers older than 50 also said that they preferred games that mimicked traditional forms of play such as card or tile games (56 percent), puzzle/logic games (52 percent), and trivia, word, and board games (27 percent). A majority of respondents (92 percent) said that they preferred to play at home, and most game play was done during the evening hours (55 percent). Finally, among those with children living in their household, 63 percent said that their children influenced which games they buy, with 62 percent saying their children help them learn about new games or game technology.

"Video games are enjoyed by millions of consumers of all ages. The popularity of video games is expected given the innovation and sheer entertainment this industry offers," said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of ESA, the trade association representing U.S. computer and video game publishers. "Across all game platforms and genres, Americans age 50 and over are exercising their minds and bodies, connecting with family members, and having fun with video games."